If there is one thing I crave when the temperatures start to spike, it’s something light, hydrating, and effortlessly delicious. That is exactly where this Chilled Melon Soup comes in to save the day. It’s sweet, creamy, and packed with vibrant flavors that wake up your palate without weighing you down. Whether you are looking for a unique starter for a dinner party or just a cooling afternoon snack, this Chilled Melon Soup is the ultimate refresher that feels like a spa day in a bowl.
Yields: 4 Servings Prep Time: 10 Minutes Total Time: 10 Minutes (plus chilling time)
Ingredients
- 1 medium cantaloupe, peeled, seeded, and cubed (approx. 4 cups / 640g)
- 0.5 cup (120ml) unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 tbsp (30ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp (42g) honey
- 4 tsp (20ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.125 tsp (1/8 tsp) ground nutmeg
- 0.125 tsp (1/8 tsp) salt
- 0.25 cup (40g) sliced, pitted cherries (for garnish)
- 0.25 cup (30g) pistachios, toasted (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place half of the cantaloupe cubes (approx. 2 cups / 320g) into a high-powered blender and process on high speed until completely smooth to create a liquid base.
- Add the remaining cantaloupe (approx. 2 cups / 320g), 0.5 cup (120ml) coconut milk, 2 tbsp (30ml) lime juice, 2 tbsp (42g) honey, 4 tsp (20ml) lemon juice, 0.25 tsp cinnamon, 0.125 tsp nutmeg, and 0.125 tsp salt to the blender.
- Blend the mixture again on high speed for 45–60 seconds until the soup is velvety, creamy, and uniform in texture.
- Pour the soup directly into serving bowls if you prefer it cool, or for the best flavor profile, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill thoroughly.
- Top each bowl evenly with the 0.25 cup (40g) sliced cherries and 0.25 cup (30g) toasted pistachios immediately before serving to maintain the crunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 155 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Pick the Perfect Melon: The success of this Chilled Melon Soup relies entirely on the sweetness of your fruit. Smell the stem end of the cantaloupe at the store; it should smell fragrant and sweet, and the stem scar should yield slightly to pressure.
- Chill Your Bowl: For an extra refreshing experience, place your serving bowls in the freezer for 15 minutes before plating. This keeps the soup ice-cold while you eat.
- Toast the Nuts: Do not skip toasting the pistachios! Toasting them in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes releases their essential oils and adds a nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth texture of the soup.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Melons vary in sugar content. Taste your blender mixture before serving. If your melon is very sweet, reduce the honey. If it's a bit bland, add a touch more honey or a pinch of salt to pop the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this Chilled Melon Soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup actually tastes better after the flavors meld. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, adding the lime and lemon juice right before serving will keep the flavors brightest.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet? This recipe uses honey, which some vegans avoid. To make a 100% vegan summer soup, simply swap the honey for agave nectar or maple syrup. The coconut milk ensures it remains dairy-free and creamy.
Can I freeze this melon soup? I do not recommend freezing this dish. Freezing can alter the texture of the cantaloupe and cause the coconut milk to separate upon thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a couple of days.
What if I don't like coconut milk? If you prefer a different base, you can substitute the coconut milk with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed version, or use almond milk for a lighter gluten-free melon recipe.
Conclusion
I hope you give this Chilled Melon Soup a try the next time you need a no-cook summer dinner starter or a healthy summer dessert. It really is one of those easy blender recipes that proves simple ingredients often make the best food. Whether you treat it as a cantaloupe gazpacho for lunch or a sweet treat after dinner, the combination of savory pistachios and sweet cherries makes this refreshing fruit soup a total winner. Don't forget to pin this cold cantaloupe soup recipe for later!
